ST. PETER, Minn. – Carleton College earned its first win of the season as they defeated the Gustavus women’s soccer team by a score of 3-0 Saturday afternoon at Gustie Soccer Field.
The Gusties suffered their third loss of the season during homecoming to move their record to 5-3-2 (2-3 MIAC). Carleton recorded its first victory and is now 1-8-2 (1-3-1 MIAC).
An even first half left both squads scoreless. Carleton led Gustavus in shots (4-2) and corner kicks (3-0) in the first period. The Gusties came back strong in the second period as they outshot the Knights 6-4, but couldn’t put one past Carleton goalkeeper Elaine Sundberg, who made four saves and posted her second shutout of the season.
At the 50th minute, Carleton’s Connor Kasch sent a corner to the middle of the box and Madeline Topf headed the ball past Gustie netminder Ashley Becker (So., Farmington, Minn.). Topf’s second goal of the season proved to be the turning point of the game as the Knights took control and scored two more goals to seal the win. Laura Kiernan and Topf tallied the second and third goals for the Knights.
“We need to be more dangerous in the final-third,” said Assistant Coach Benton Frayne. “We had a couple of good looks today but it is just not enough to put a team like Carleton on their heels.”
The Gustie’s best chance came at the 30th minute mark of the first period when Maddison Ackiss (Sr., Fairbanks, Alaska) ripped a shot off the crossbar.
“We have a specific style that we are looking to play, called the ‘Gustie tempo’ and at moments we saw that today. We need to have a sense of urgency and trust in ourselves and our teammates. We also need to continue to work together and believe in what we are doing. We know we’re a good team and we didn’t get the result today, but good things will come eventually,” Frayne commented.
The Black and Gold next travel to Minneapolis, Minn. to face Augsburg College next Friday, October 7.